Confessions Of An Organizational Nightmare
In the fantasy world in my head, I’m an organizational queen. Everything in my home has a place, and everything stays put – or is promptly returned to – its rightful spot. Oh, wouldn’t that be lovely?
Sigh
But as I sit here on the couch in my family room (a room I’ve yet to showcase for a very good reason), I can’t help but notice the piles of stuff in the corners. Okay, more like piles in the plural sense. Some of it is mine, some of it belongs to my daughter. Nothing, thankfully, belongs to my son or husband. And that, right there, says a mouthful.
My options include: (a) ignoring it, which I’ve done for far too long; (b) embracing and organizing it, which I’m expertly avoiding by the mere fact that I’m writing this article; or (c) setting the room on fire. Which, admittedly, may seem a bit drastic.
ABC Home & Construction could probably help me with a more reasonable solution. But in the meantime, I did kick off the new year with a burst of organizational zeal, tackling the craft armoire that was busting at the seams. And you know what? My favorite part of that project was the mason jar craft storage.
Mason Jar Madness
So simple, yet effective. And pretty. Because a craft armoire should first and foremost be pretty, right? All I did was spray paint the lids with chalkboard spray paint.
Using a chalk pen I found in the craft store’s paint aisle, I simply hand-wrote the contents of each jar. I mean, otherwise, how would you be able to tell what’s in those clear glass containers?
And now I have no excuse if the glitter and the buttons get mixed up with the rubber bands. Not that I’m imposing segregation in my craft armoire, but sometimes the glitter can get a bit too friendly with the other craft supplies. A bit too clingy, if you know what I mean…
If only I could find mason jars large enough to corral those piles of stuff in the corners of my family room, everything would look so much prettier in here. Hmm. Oh well. No more excuses. Looks like I need to invoke option “e” – the one that says “get your lazy butt off the couch and JUST DO IT.” Sigh
Bathroom Bliss With Mason Jars
While my quest for family room organization remains a work in progress, I have found the perfect solution for my bathroom: mason jar storage and accessories. I’ve seen these painted and distressed mason jar bathroom sets on Etsy for the past year or so, and I have to admit, I’ve been intrigued.
My first concern, though, has been durability. Especially if you’re using craft paint, which is water-soluble. And even with a top clear coat, I worried that the finish would eventually wash off or peel. That’s what’s made me reluctant to try my hand at creating this mason jar bathroom storage set and sharing it with you.
But all that changed when I was introduced to Amy Howard’s One Step paint. Now, I’ll admit the finish isn’t permanent permanent. But it’s much more durable than craft paint. Especially after you give it a clear sealant coat.
To create my set, I gathered:
- Mason Jars (Quart, 2 Pints, Elite Half-Pint, 4 oz. Quilted Jelly Jar)
- Amy Howard One Step Paint in Bauhaus Buff
- Clear Coat Sealant
- Mason Jar Soap Lid Converter Kit
- Mason Jar Flower Frog
I gave each jar two coats of the Amy Howard paint, letting them dry completely between coats. After the second coat dried overnight, I distressed the raised lettering on the mason jars using 80-grit sandpaper. Then I finished them with two coats of a matte finish sealant.
For the toothbrush holder, I used a mason jar lid insert meant for a flower arrangement. And for the soap dispenser, I purchased a lid converter kit from an Etsy shop.
The smallest jar is a 4 oz. quilted jelly jar, while the cotton balls are stored in one of Ball’s Elite Collection half-pint jars. And now I have a pretty and stylish storage and organization solution for my bathroom!
Customizable Creativity
One of the best things about this mason jar bathroom project is the ability to customize it to your specific style and needs. For example, if you have gold fixtures in your bathroom like I do, you could try creating a distressed gold base underneath the white paint. That way, the gold would peek through the sanding for a unique look.
Or, if you prefer a different color scheme entirely, the One Step paint comes in a wide variety of shades. You could go with something bold and vibrant, or stick to a more neutral, farmhouse-inspired palette.
The size and shape of the jars is also completely up to you. I opted for a mix of tall, skinny quarts and shorter, wider pints and elite jars. But you could go all-in on the classic wide-mouth mason jars, or mix and match different styles to suit your space.
And don’t forget about the lids and accessories! There are so many creative ways to transform those plain metal caps. In addition to the chalkboard paint and flower frog inserts I used, you could try decoupage, fabric, or even decorative metal lids.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to crafting your own personalized mason jar bathroom storage. It’s the perfect project for adding a touch of rustic charm and functionality to your space. Plus, it’s a great way to get creative and flex those DIY muscles.
Organizing Made Easy
Of course, the real benefit of this mason jar bathroom storage system is the organizational power it provides. No more digging through cluttered drawers or cabinets to find what you need. Everything has its own designated spot, neatly labeled and on display.
Clear glass jars allow you to easily see your cotton balls, Q-tips, and other toiletry items at a glance. The soap dispenser keeps your hand soap conveniently accessible, while the toothbrush holder ensures your brushes stay upright and germ-free.
And let’s not forget about all that vertical space you’re utilizing. By stacking the jars and arranging them on shelves or a vanity, you’re maximizing your square footage and keeping your countertops clear. No more balancing bottles and tubes on the edge of the sink!
Whether you’re dealing with a cramped apartment bathroom or a spacious master suite, these mason jar storage solutions can help you stay neat, tidy, and organized. Plus, with the fun, customizable element, you can create a display that’s as practical as it is visually appealing.
A Crafty Complement
Of course, these mason jar bathroom organizers don’t have to exist in a vacuum. They pair beautifully with other DIY and craft-inspired decor pieces, helping to tie your entire space together.
For example, you could use similar mason jars to store craft supplies in an adjacent office or craft room. Or, if you have the space, incorporate a vintage-inspired shelving unit or cabinet to house your mason jar collection.
And don’t forget about those chalkboard lids! You could use them to label and identify the contents, or even get creative with little drawings and doodles. It’s a fun, functional way to add a touch of whimsy to your bathroom decor.
Pair your mason jar storage with other rustic, farmhouse-inspired accents like wooden signs, galvanized metal accents, or even a sliding barn door. The combinations are endless, allowing you to create a cohesive, personalized look that reflects your unique style.
The Final Verdict
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to embrace your inner organizational goddess and tackle that bathroom clutter once and for all. With these clever and crafty mason jar storage hacks, you can transform a chaotic space into a serene, streamlined sanctuary.
Not only will your bathroom look Pinterest-perfect, but you’ll also enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having everything neatly stored and easily accessible. No more frantic searching for that one elusive tube of toothpaste or wandering aimlessly in search of a fresh cotton ball.
Plus, with the ability to customize these mason jar organizers to your heart’s content, you can create a system that’s as unique as you are. Whether you opt for a classic farmhouse vibe or a bold, modern aesthetic, the end result will be a beautiful and highly functional addition to your home.
So what are you waiting for? Grab some mason jars, a can of paint, and get to work on your very own Clever And Crafty Bathroom Storage Hacks. Your future self (and your guests) will thank you!